St Mary's Quad

A college since 1538

St Mary's College was founded in 1538 by Archbishop James Beaton and has taught theology since 1579. The north and west ranges around the quad keep much of their 16th-century stonework. Parliament Hall, on the quad, hosted the Scots Parliament in 1645-46, and the King James Library was founded by James VI in 1612.

Two heritage trees

Look for the gnarled hawthorn said to have been planted by Mary, Queen of Scots, in 1563; its old trunk has decayed but it keeps sending up fresh shoots. Nearby is a holm oak thought to date from around 1740, with the largest girth recorded for the species in Scotland. Both are on the list of 100 Heritage Trees of Scotland.

Visiting respectfully

This is a working university college, so keep noise down and stay off any areas that are roped off, especially in exam season or during graduations. A few minutes on a bench here makes a peaceful break between the cathedral and the West Port, and the cafés of South Street and Market Street are close by. Visit in spring or early summer, when the lawn is green and the trees are in leaf.

Highlights

• Courtyard of St Mary's College, founded 1538
• Queen Mary's thorn, said to be planted in 1563
• Holm oak from around 1740, Scotland's largest by girth
• Parliament Hall, where the Scots Parliament met in 1645-46

Good to know

• Entered through the archway on South Street.
• It is part of a working university; access may be restricted during exams and events.

Frequently asked questions